By Susan Carpenter, Los Angeles Times

August 26, 2012
Protagonist Nikki Maxwell writes an advice column for the school newspaper in this fifth book of the bestselling "Dork Diaries" series.

(October)

Under Wildwood

By Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis
Balzer + Bray, 576 pp.: $17.99, for ages 9 and up

The second book in "The Wildwood Chronicles" from the Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy sees the series' protagonists traveling underground.

(September)

Dragonbreath No. 7: When Fairies Go Bad

By Ursula Vernon
Dial, 208 pp.: $12.99, for ages 8 and up

When Danny's mom is kidnapped by fairies, he and his best friend Wendell travel to fairyland to free her.

(September)

Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm

By Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Candlewick, 176 pp.: $15.99, for ages 6 and up

Judy Moody finds a lucky penny that seems to be helping her at bowling and spelling until she drops it in a porcelain bowl of yuck. Will her luck run out?

(August)

Big Nate Makes the Grade

By Lincoln Peirce
Andrews McMeel, 224 pp.: $9.99, for ages 8 and up

Sixth grader Big Nate is better known for his homemade comics and frequent trips to detention than his scholastic prowess, but that may change when he rivals his longtime nemesis Gina.

(August)

Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten

By Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus
Random House, 144 pp.: $11.99, for ages 6 and up

Room Nine concocts a Thanksgiving feast and competes in a thankfulness contest. Junie B. struggles to balance what she is and is not thankful for.

(August)